through a glass darkly

[john hannah]

I was at the Loch o' the Lowes wildlife sanctuary in Scotland, where they have an amazing woodland setting that's alive with birds. Problem: glass separates birds from viewers/photographers. Despite pleading, the docents would not open the window. Any suggestions for getting maximum sharpness when shooting through glass?

[canonloader]

Stay back at least 4 feet, which will put any dirt on the glass so out of focus it won't show. For reflections, get a Circular Polarizer.

[artyman]

I would get as close as possible to the glass to put it out of focus, mind you cleaning the glass would be a good bet :D

[BradM]

Just like shooting into an aquarium you have to get very close to the glass and shield from reflections, one of those cheap large rubber expandable lens hoods works well for this hold, tape or otherwise get the hood against the glass, a polarizer may not do anything for you if you are close enough to the glass. In fact it would only cost you a stop or two if you have the lens shielded for extraneous light. The other option is a large rock tossed briskly at the glass while the docent is distracted. Personally I would go with the latter.

[DAUMO]

macro lens?